Temporary wall and bracket system for temporary wall

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a temporary wall and bracket system for a temporary wall, which provides a solution to the problem of creating a temporary walled space. The core components of the invention are a panel, a bracket system, and an end cap. Generally speaking, the components are configured as follows: The bracket system and end cap are attached to opposite ends of the panel. The bracket system adjusts in height using a screw attached between a bracket and the panel. The end cap has a high friction component and an elastic component.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent No.63/241,529 filed on Sep. 7, 2021.

BACKGROUND

Various forms of temporary walls exist for use in the interior ofbuildings. Generally, these temporary walls stand on their own or aresecured between the ceiling and floor of the building. These temporarywalls generally have at least one of three problems. First, thetemporary walls often do not cover the entire floor to ceiling area andhave large gaps that provide for poor sound insulation.

Second, the temporary walls do not have a solid fit and are easy toaccidentally knock over or break. Ceilings are generally not designed tobe pressed against. Also, many temporary wall segments are secured to aceiling at only two or three locations. This makes it so the force ofsecuring the temporary wall is focused at only two or three points. Verylittle force can be placed at the two or three points without damagingthe ceiling. So temporary walls are often not very well secured and canbe knocked over by a person simply leaning against the temporary wall.

Third, temporary walls are often very difficult to install. Manytemporary walls have four or five components that must be positioned(often by hand) for each portion of the temporary wall to be secured.Each section of temporary wall normally requires at least three peopleto install and each section takes several minutes to install.

SUMMARY

The disclosed device is unique when compared with other known devicesand solutions because it provides an effective temporary wall that iseasy to install, has few gaps, and can be much more securely fitted thanis possible with previous models.

The disclosed device is unique in that it is structurally different fromother known devices or solutions. More specifically, the device isunique due to the presence of: (1) a bracket system that can be easilyand quickly mechanically adjusted by a power drill; (2) a combination ofpanel bracket system and end cap that provides complete or near completecoverage from ceiling to floor; and 3) an end cap that distributes forcesuch that the temporary wall may be secured with greater force than ispossible with other systems without damaging the ceiling of thebuilding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example front view of a temporary wall panel.

FIG. 2 shows an example back view of the temporary wall panel.

FIG. 3 shows an example cross sectional view of a bracket system on apanel.

FIG. 4 shows another example back view of the temporary wall panel.

FIG. 5 shows another example cross sectional view of the bracket systemon the panel.

FIG. 6 shows an example cross sectional view of the end cap on thepanel.

FIG. 7 shows another example back view of the temporary wall panel.

FIG. 8 shows another example cross sectional view of the end cap on thepanel.

FIG. 9 shows an example top view of a thin bracket and with a baseplate.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a bracket.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above, in this Detailed Description, the claims below,and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particularfeatures of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure ofthe invention in this specification includes all possible combinationsof such particular features. For example, where a particular feature isdisclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of theinvention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used—to theextent possible—in combination with and/or in the context of otherparticular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in theinvention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used hereinto mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionallypresent. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”)components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A,B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but alsocontain one or more other components.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or moredefined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order orsimultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), andthe method can include one or more other steps which are carried outbefore any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, orafter all the defined steps (except where the context excludes thatpossibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote thestart of a range including that number (which may be a range having anupper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined).For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most”followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range,including that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lowerlimit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variablebeing defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “atmost 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, arange is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a firstnumber)-(a second number),” this means a range whose limits include bothnumbers. For example, “25 to 100” means a range whose lower limit is 25and upper limit is 100 and includes both 25 and 100.

FIG. 1 shows an example front view of a temporary wall panel 1000.Several temporary wall panels 1000 may be placed between a ceiling and afloor of an interior room of a building placed side to side to form atemporary wall. The temporary wall panel 1000 may include a panel 100with a bracket system 200 on a bottom end of the panel 100 and an endcap 300 attached to a top end of the panel 100 opposite the bottom endof the panel 100. From the front view, the temporary wall panel 1000 mayhave a substantially flat surface (including the panel 100, end cap 300,and the bracket system 200) extending from the floor to the ceiling of aroom.

The panel 100 may also include a panel face 110, which may be asubstantially flat board, sheet of metal, plastic, or other materialwith a paint coating for decorative purposes. The panel 100 may alsoinclude a bottom sleeve 120 which is designed to affix to the frame 105and fit at least partially within the bracket system 200. The bottomsleeve 120 may be metal, plastic, or other durable material and may havea finish that will not be damaged by rubbing against a bracket 230 ofthe bracket system when the height of the temporary wall panel 1000 ischanged using the bracket system 200.

The bracket system may include the bracket 230. As will be described ingreater detail below, the bracket system may change the height of thetemporary wall panel 1000 by raising or lowering the panel 100 in thebracket 230.

The end cap 300 may include an end cap bracket 310 which extends theentire width of the panel 100. The end cap bracket 310 may includematerials such as metal, plastic, or other durable materials.

The temporary wall panels 1000 may have dimensions useful for creating atemporary wall in a building. Each temporary wall panel 1000 may extendfrom floor to ceiling (normally about 6.5-10 feet). The temporary wallpanel may adjust in height, using the bracket system 200, about 2-3inches and the overall height may be about 6.5-10 feet. However, anyheight of ceiling may be accommodated for. Each temporary wall panel1000 may have a width of about 3-4 feet. One consideration is keepingweight low enough that the temporary wall panels can be placed by twopeople (generally under 300 pounds). However, if larger crews are used(or heavy equipment) temporary wall panels 1000 may be made with anywidth. The depth of the temporary wall panels 1000 may be about 1.5-3inches. However, for larger or smaller walls the depth may be adjustedaccording to the needed structural strength.

FIG. 2 shows an example back view of the temporary wall panel 1000. Thepanel 100 may have a frame 105 that provides structural support for thepanel 100. The frame 105 may be made of wood, metal, plastic, or otherdurable material. The panel face 110 may be attached to and structurallysupported by the frame 105. The bracket system 200 may include multiple(usually two screws 210. The screws may be vertical when the temporarywall panel 100 is between the ceiling and floor in a building. Thescrews 210 may go through the bottom sleeve 120 and rotatably attachedto the bracket 230. The bracket 230 may partially cover the bottomsleeve 120 on the front side and the back side of the panel 100.

If desired, a detachable back face (not shown) may be added to cover theback of the frame 105 for improved aesthetic appeal.

FIG. 3 shows an example cross sectional view of a bracket system 200 ona panel 100. FIG. 3 shows a cross section view along the line I-I′ ofFIG. 2 . The panel 100 may include a baseplate 130 attached below thesleeve 120. The baseplate 130 may be sized and arranged to contact thebracket 230 and slide against the bracket 230 when bracket system 200 isused to change the height of the temporary wall panel. The baseplate 130may include a threaded section 132 defining a hole for the screw 210 topass through.

The screw 210 may have a head 216, a threaded shaft 214 and anunthreaded tail 212. The threaded shaft 214 may be between the head 216and the unthreaded tail 212. The screw may be made of steel or anotherdurable material. The head 216 may have a hexagonal shape and/or mayhave an indent (not shown) for being turned by a Phillips or flatheadscrewdriver head. Thus, the screw 210 may be rotated using an electricdrill, wrench, screwdriver, or other similar tool. The threaded shaft214 of the screw 210 may engage with the threaded section 132 to pushthe panel up with relation to the bracket 230 while the screw 210rotates. The bracket 230 may be made of metal and have a bottom side andtwo upturned sides which pass on either side of the baseplate 130 andthe bottom sleeve 120. The bracket system 200 may further include ascrew stop 240 with an indent 242 arranged and sized to receive at leasta portion of the unthreaded tail 212 such that the unthreaded tail 212can rotate in the indent 242. The screw stop 240 may be a piece of metalor other durable material with the indent 242 defined in it and may beattached to the bottom (horizontal extension) of the bracket 230.

The screw 210 engages with the threaded section 132 of the baseplate 130to support the weight of the panel 100 and other components of thetemporary wall panel 1000 above the panel 100. When the screw 210 isrotated, the threads of the screw force the panel 100 up or down(depending on the direction the screw 210 is rotated and the threadingdirection of the screw 210) relative to the bracket system 200. Whenboth screws 210 are rotated the same amount, the height of thecombination of the panel 100 and the bracket system 200 changes(rotating only one of the screws 210 causes one side of the temporarywall panel 1000 to rise higher than the other, which may be useful ifthe ceiling and floor are not entirely level). This may also change theuncompressed height of the temporary wall panel 1000. However, if theend cap is already pressed against the ceiling of the building, insteadof the height changing, the pressure holding the temporary wall panel1000 in place between the ceiling and floor of the building (not shown)may instead increase or decrease.

Because the back of the frame 105 is uncovered or can be uncovered, thescrew 210 may be easily accessible by an electric drill (not shown) orother tool, making mechanically adjusting the bracket system 200 byrotating the screw 210 very easy.

The bracket system 200 may also have a base friction pad 290 attached tothe bottom of the bracket 230 to increase friction between the bracket230 and the floor of the building. Thus, the base friction pad 290 mayinclude a material with a higher friction coefficient than thematerial(s) of the bracket 230, such as rubber. The material of the basefriction pad 290 may be chosen based on the material of the floor of thebuilding (e.g., a flat rubber may work better on tile, while a groovedplastic material may work better on carpet).

FIG. 4 shows another example back view of the temporary wall panel 1000.The bracket system 200 may include thin brackets 260 which do not extendfor the entire width of the panel 100 like the bracket 230. The thinbrackets 260 may be made of the same material as the bracket 230 andhave the same height and interact with the bottom sleeve 120 in the sameway as the bracket 230. The bracket system 200 may also include abracket cover 270 that fills the gaps between the thin brackets 260 andextends the entire width of the panel 100 to provide improved aestheticsand sound insulation. There may be one screw 210 for each thin bracket230. The thin bracket may have a width of about 3-12 inches.

FIG. 5 shows another example cross section view of the bracket system200 on the panel 100. FIG. 5 shows a cross section view along the lineII-IF of FIG. 4 . The thin bracket 260 may interact with the bottomsleeve 120 and baseplate 130 in the same way as the bracket 230. Thescrew 210 may also engage with the thin bracket 260 in the same way asthe bracket 230 with a screw stop 240 with an indent 242 which allowsthe unthreaded tail of the screw 210 to rotate while supporting theweight of the panel 100 and the pressure of the temporary wall panel 100pressing between the floor and ceiling of the building.

The bracket cover 270 may include a bracket cover face 272 which mayinclude the same materials as the panel face 110 and in some embodimentsmay have the same color paint or a complimentary color of paint as thepanel face 110. The bracket cover 270 may also include clips 274 whichsecure the bracket cover face 272 to the thin brackets 260.

FIG. 6 shows an example cross sectional view of the end cap 300 on thepanel 100. FIG. 6 shows a cross section view along the line of FIG. 4 .The end cap 300 may include the end cap bracket 310, one or more springs320 and an end cap friction pad 330. The end cap bracket 310 may have aflat section with two sections folded down from the flat section suchthat the end cap bracket passes over a portion of the front side andback side of the panel 100. The end cap friction pad 330 may be made ofa material with a higher friction coefficient than the end cap bracket310 such as rubber, silicone, or another material. The end cap frictionpad 330 may be flat and materials that will not damage (scratch, indent,etc.) the ceiling are preferable.

The springs 320 may be metal springs or any material with a springconstant high enough to provide the desired force to maintain thetemporary wall panel 1000 in place. It is desirable for the temporarywall panel 1000 to be able to resist at least 200 pounds of horizontalpressure before moving relative to the ceiling or floor of the building.Depending on the friction coefficient of the end cap friction pad 330and the base friction pad 290 this may be possible with around 400-500pounds of force. Accordingly, the springs 320 in some embodiments may beable to provide 500 pounds of force.

Although the temporary wall panel 1000 may have any dimensions thatallow the temporary wall panel 1000 to function as a barrier extendingfrom a floor to a ceiling of a building, some example dimensions forexample purposes will be demonstrated to show the advantages of theinvention. A temporary wall panel 1000 with a width (left to right fromthe perspective of FIG. 5 and into and out of the page of FIG. 6 ) of 3feet and a depth ((left to right from the perspective of FIG. 6 and intoand out of the page of FIG. 5 ) of 2 inches may have an area of 72square inches at the point of contact with the ceiling (e.g., the endcap friction pad 330). 500 pounds of force spread out over 72 inches isabout 7 pounds per square inch. Sheetrock is very unlikely to be damagedwith only 7 pounds of pressure per square inch. Accordingly, in thisexample embodiment, the invention is very unlikely to cause damage tothe ceiling due to the pressure needed to hold the temporary wall panels100 in place. Previous temporary wall panels that contact the ceiling inonly a few places cannot press with a large amount of force withoutdamaging the ceiling so they either are not capable of providingadequate pressure or damage the ceiling.

FIG. 7 shows another example back view of the temporary wall panel 1000.The temporary wall panel 1000 of FIG. 7 is similar to the temporary wallpanel of FIG. 4 except that it includes another different embodiment ofend cap 300. The end cap 300 may include an elastic strip 340 instead ofthe end cap bracket 310, one or more springs 320 and the end capfriction pad 330 of FIGS. 4 and 6 .

FIG. 8 shows another example cross section view of the end cap 300 onthe panel 100. FIG. 8 shows a cross section view along the line IV-IV′of FIG. 7 . The elastic strip 340 may include an elastic material suchas rubber or silicone with a high friction coefficient with thematerials of the ceiling of the building. The elastic strip 340 mayextend for the entire width and depth of the panel 100. The elasticstrip 340 may be hollow so that the elastic strip may more easily deformto reduce force concentration when one side of the temporary wall panel1000 is raised using a first of the screws 210, before the other side israised using the other screw 210.

The temporary wall panels 1000 may have various attachments andaccessories attached to form complete walls. For example, a temporarywall panel 1000 may include a door (not shown) built into the panel 100or even extending down through the bracket system 200 (in this case thethin brackets 260 would need to be used so the door could go between theshort brackets). Also, connectors/fillers (not shown) may be placedbetween the temporary wall panels 1000 to reduce gaps between the sidesof the temporary wall panels 1000 forming a wall. Further cornercovers/connectors (not shown) may also be placed where the temporarywall panels 1000 abut at a corner (e.g., 90 degrees).

FIG. 9 shows an example top view of the thin bracket 260 and with thebaseplate 130. The thin bracket 260 may include vertical rails 262 thatextend upward from the bottom side of the thin bracket 260 up the sidesof the thin bracket. The rails by guide and laterally support thebaseplate 130. The screw 210 may be between the vertical rails 262 suchthat the vertical rails provide lateral support in two dimensions to thescrew 210 and baseplate 130 while the baseplate 130 is not preventedfrom moving vertically by the vertical rails 262.

Advantageously, the temporary wall panels 1000 may be placed side toside to completely fill the entire space between floor to ceiling andwall to wall of a building to create temporary rooms. Thus, thisinvention significantly improves sound insulation compared to otherexisting temporary wall panels that have large gaps. The temporary wallpanels 1000 are also easy to install because they can be installed byusing a power drill to screw two screws 210 after placing the temporarywall panels 1000 in the desired location. A job that can easily be doneby two people in minutes. Furthermore, the structure of the end cap 300allows for much more force to be placed on the ceiling without damagingthe ceiling of the building and thus for a much more secure friction fitwith no damage to the building.

FIG. 10 shows another illustration of a non-limiting embodiment of abracket 400. Bracket 400 may include an upper plate 410 and lower plate420. Upper plate 410 may have a rectangular prism shape with a pluralityof apertures including a central aperture 412 and two outer apertures414. Upper plate 410 may have two indents 416 or rectangular recesses ona top surface. Lower plate 420 may also have a rectangular prism shapewith a top surface of similar perimeter to the bottom surface of upperplate 410. Lower plate 420 may have an aperture 422 at a center of thetop surface on lower plate 420 whereby aperture 422 is aligned withcentral aperture 412 when lower plate 420 is positioned under upperplate 410. Lower plate 420 may have one or more indents 426 on thebottom surface.

A screw 430 may pass through central aperture 412 in upper plate 410 andthen be received by aperture 422. Lower plate 420 may further include ascrew stop 428 or nut, or indent arranged and sized to receive at leasta portion of the unthreaded tail such that the unthreaded tail canrotate in the indent.

Screw 430 may have a head, threaded shaft, and an unthreaded tail. Thethreaded shaft may be between the head and the unthreaded tail. Screw430 may be made of steel or another durable material. The head may havea hexagonal shape and/or may have an indent (not shown) for being turnedby a Phillips or flathead screwdriver head. Thus, screw 430 may berotated using an electric drill, wrench, screwdriver, or other similartool. The threaded shaft of the screw 430 may engage with the threadedsection to push the panel up with relation to bracket 400 while thescrew 430 rotates.

The bracket 400 may include multiple (usually two screws 440) wherebythey pass through apertures 414 on top plate 410. Screws 440 may bevertical when the temporary wall panel 100 is between the ceiling andfloor in a building whereby screws are orientated into a directionopposite of screw 430. The screws 550 may go through the panel face 110or bottom sleeve 120 and rotatably attached to bracket 400. One or morerubber bands 450 or other restraining devices may be positioned aroundtop plate 410 and bottom plate 420 in indents 416 and 426 to provide acompressing force between top plate 410 and bottom plate 420. In one ormore non-limiting embodiments rubber bands may be replaced by springs orother compression devices.

FIG. 11 shows another illustration of a non-limiting embodiment of abracket 500. Bracket 500 may include an upper plate 510 and lower plate520. Upper plate 510 may have a rectangular prism shape with a threadedreceiving element 512 protruding upward from the top surface of upperplate 510. Upper plate 510 may have one or more notches 513 on one ormore opposite side surfaces of upper plate 510 that may be square or anyother suitable shape. Upper plate 510 may have one or more stubspointing upward from the top surface of upper plate 510. Lower plate 520may also have a rectangular prism shape with a top surface of similarperimeter to the bottom surface of upper plate 510. Lower plate 520 mayhave an aperture 525 through a center. Lower plate 520 may have one ormore outwardly and upwardly projecting prongs 522 attached to sidewallsof lower plate 520. Prongs 522 may be received into notches 513 on upperplate 510 and snap into place until removed by external upward forcewhen bracket 500 extends upward and then snaps back into place whenlowered.

A screw 530 may pass through threaded receiving element 512 in upperplate 510 and then be received by aperture 525. Lower plate 520 mayfurther include a screw stop 528 or nut, or indent arranged and sized toreceive at least a portion of the unthreaded tail such that theunthreaded tail can rotate in the indent.

Screw 530 may have a head, threaded shaft, and an unthreaded tail. Thethreaded shaft may be between the head and the unthreaded tail. Screw530 may be made of steel or another durable material. The head may havea hexagonal shape and/or may have an indent (not shown) for being turnedby a Phillips or flathead screwdriver head. Thus, screw 530 may berotated using an electric drill, wrench, screwdriver, or other similartool. The threaded shaft of the screw 530 may engage with the threadedsection to push the panel up with relation to bracket 500 while thescrew 530 rotates.

Accordingly, the present description provides for various embodimentsfor a temporary wall panel 1000. Many uses and advantages are offered bythe temporary wall panel 1000 as described above in one or morenon-limiting embodiments in the present description.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of anymeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. The present invention, according to one ormore embodiments described in the present description, may be practicedwith modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of theappended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrativeinstead of restrictive of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bracket system, wherein the bracket system isconfigured to be attached to a first side of a panel, wherein thebracket system has an adjustable height, wherein the bracket systemincludes one or more screws which adjusts the height of the bracketsystem.
 2. The bracket system of claim 1, further comprising an end capconfigured to extends across a first width of the panel, wherein the endcap is configured to be attached to a second side of the panel.
 3. Thebracket system of claim 2, wherein the bracket system and the end capextend for an entire first width of the panel in a directionperpendicular to the height of the bracket system.
 4. The bracket systemof claim 1, wherein the bracket system includes two brackets.
 5. Thebracket system of claim 1, wherein the one or more screws adjusts theheight of the bracket system and the panel by engaging with a threadedsection of the panel while rotating.
 6. A bracket system, wherein thebracket system has an adjustable height causing the bracket system toextend from a first position to a second position, wherein the bracketsystem include a screw which adjusts the height of the bracket system.7. The bracket system of claim 6, wherein the screw adjusts the heightof the bracket system by engaging with a panel while rotating.
 8. Thebracket system of claim 7, wherein the bracket system includes a firstcomponent and a second component wherein the screw passes through anaperture in the first component and is received into the secondcomponent wherein the first component is configured to move in relationto the second component when the height of the bracket system isadjusted.
 9. The bracket system of claim 8, wherein the screw isreceived into a second indent in the second component.
 10. The bracketsystem of claim 8, wherein the bracket system includes one or moresecond screws that pass through one or more second apertures on thefirst component.
 11. The bracket system of claim 10, wherein the one ormore second screws are orientated to be facing upwards.
 12. The bracketsystem of claim 8, wherein the first component is positioned above thesecond component.
 13. The bracket system of claim 12, wherein the firstcomponent and the second component are rectangular in shape.
 14. Thebracket system of claim 12, wherein the first component has one or moreindents on a top surface, wherein the second component has one or moresecond indents on a bottom surface aligned with the one or more indents.15. The bracket system of claim 14, further comprising one or morerubber bands positioned over the first component and the secondcomponent in the one or more indents and the one or more second indents.16. A bracket system, wherein the bracket system has an adjustableheight causing the bracket system to extend, wherein the bracket systeminclude a screw which adjusts the height of the bracket system.
 17. Thebracket system of claim 16, wherein the bracket system includes a firstcomponent and a second component wherein the screw passes through anaperture in the first component and is received into the secondcomponent wherein the first component is configured to move in relationto the second component when the height of the bracket system isadjusted.
 18. The bracket system of claim 17, wherein the firstcomponent has notches on opposing side surfaces wherein the secondcomponent has prongs that are receivable into the notches.
 19. Thebracket system of claim 18, wherein the first component has receivingelement protruding from a top surface of the first component.
 20. Thebracket system of claim 19, wherein the first component and the secondcomponent has one or more studs.